9 November 2020
Whether you are a keen birder or just like to observe nature, you cannot fail to notice the range of beautiful and colourful birds that visit the garden and inhabit the shores immediately in front of Pambele Beach Lodge.
Many are resident in the area and some just passing through. Pelicans and Flamingoes are regulars, patrolling the shores for food. The Pelicans fly low and skim the surface, landing to feed on shoals of fish. The Flamingoes are noisier visitors, honking or splashing in the shallows. Watching them fly in elegant file back towards their roost in the evening is always breathtaking. There are plenty of smaller, equally busy, shoreline visitors; Storks, Herons, Egrets, Sacred Ibis, Whimbrel, Curlew to name a few.
In and around the garden and onto the beach we see European Swallows, Pied Kingfishers, Olive Bee-eaters (which also nest here) and Yellow-billed Kites.
In the gardens we often see Hornbills, Sunbirds, Black-collared Barbet, Puffbacks, as well as occasional Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Mangrove Kingfisher and the amazingly coloured Purple-crested Turaco (although this is more readily heard than seen!)
If you venture further afield into the Sanctuary there are many chances to see all sorts of birds, on land, around the lakes, or out at sea and on the sandbars.
The Sanctuary website has a full bird list for keen bird watchers. Even if many of these birds are unfamiliar to you, it is possible to appreciate their beauty, colour and variety.
You may even find you become more interested in birding and want to find out more! Happy Watching!
